Former Rangers star and respected football pundit Ally McCoist has applauded Ruben Amorim and his Manchester United team for their impressive display in the 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday. The Portuguese manager earned praise for his tactical awareness, particularly in exploiting Trent Alexander-Arnold’s defensive vulnerabilities.

The result marks Manchester United’s second consecutive Premier League draw with Liverpool and comes during a turbulent period for the Red Devils, who had lost their previous three league matches before the New Year. Meanwhile, Liverpool, buoyed by recent dominant victories in which they netted 14 goals across three fixtures, entered the match as heavy favorites.

Despite the odds, Amorim’s side delivered a resilient performance, neutralizing Liverpool’s offensive threats and targeting Alexander-Arnold, who had a particularly poor defensive outing. The English right-back struggled throughout the match, losing all five of his ground duels, a weakness that Amorim’s men capitalized on effectively.

McCoist’s Analysis of Alexander-Arnold's Performance

Speaking on talkSPORT, McCoist dissected the England international’s performance and praised Amorim’s game plan:

“I know it’s only one game, but I thought it was a very, very good performance from United. In terms of Trent’s defensive play yesterday, I thought it was really, really poor, but I’m maybe not just as surprised as some people are.

“I don’t think he’s great defensively. His main attribute is going forward, with the ball at his feet and passing. So, fair play to Ruben Amorim and United for exploiting that, and they did it exceptionally well.”

Rio Ferdinand Urges United to Maintain Momentum

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand also commended the Red Devils, encouraging them to build on the result and use it as a springboard to improve their league form. Speaking to the media, Ferdinand highlighted the importance of setting a standard after a challenging run of results.

What’s Next for Liverpool and United?

The result leaves Liverpool unable to extend their lead in the Premier League standings, offering an unexpected twist in the title race. As they shift focus, Liverpool will face Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday.

Manchester United, on the other hand, will look to carry their renewed confidence into the FA Cup third-round clash against Arsenal on Sunday.

Opinion: Amorim’s Tactical Ingenuity is a Beacon for United’s Future

Ruben Amorim’s ability to identify and exploit Liverpool’s defensive weaknesses reflects his tactical acumen and adaptability. While Manchester United’s league struggles remain a concern, this performance at Anfield signals hope for fans eager to see their side return to top form.

On the flip side, Liverpool’s inability to maintain defensive solidity in crucial moments raises questions about their consistency, particularly as the season approaches its decisive phase. For now, both teams will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their respective cup challenges.